The dividing of ancient history into chronological
periods is the product of modern scholarship. The division
between the Bronze and Iron Age marks a significant
technological innovation, namely the adoption of
ironworking, which over time replaced bronze as the most
popular metal for tools, weapons and armor.

In addition to the change in technology, the evolution
from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age was distinguished by
widespread social changes, similar to those accompanying the
invention of the printing press or the end of World War
II.

*
The abbreviations BCE
and CE used throughout this website stand for
"Before the Common Era" and "Common Era"
respectively. They are an equivalent to the
abbreviations BC and AD.Many scholars today prefer
to use BCE and CE to abbreviate historical
periods.

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Dr. Linda Bregstein and Dr. Bruce Routledge,
co-curators of the "Canaan and Ancient" exhibit at
the Museum, examine a pottery vessel in one of the
Museum's storerooms.